Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus and method for lower back, abdominal, and leg conditioning. The apparatus is configurable between a pivoting condition and a fixed position. In the pivoting condition, a backboard, pivotally mounted to a frame, is configured for a user to lay on the backboard and alternately raise and lower their hips, while supporting their feet on a foot plate. In a fixed condition, the backboard is positioned proximal to the foot plate, and a user may perform one or more abdominal exercises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment, and more particularly to exercise equipment for conditioning the lumbar and gluteal muscle groups. The apparatus contemplated herein help to strengthen back and butt muscles without putting pressure on your neck and shoulders.

With conventional exercises, a user would use a floor surface or an exercise ball with nothing to make your muscles stronger. Exercising on the floor presents challenges in applying pressure to the neck and shoulder muscles

The apparatus of the present invention allows a user to lie flat on their back and remain flat on their back during performance of conditioning exercises. As their conditioning and strength in their back and gluteus muscles improve they may add elastic bands to add resistance to the exercise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an exercise apparatus is disclosed which includes an elongate frame member; an upstanding frame pivot arm attached to a first end portion of the elongate frame member; a backboard frame pivotally attached to the elongate frame member via the upstanding frame pivot arm; and a foot plate, attached to a second end portion of the elongate frame member via a foot plate support. The backboard frame is selectively positioned between a lowered position and an elevated position.

In a preferred embodiment, a pivot arm is pivotally connected between the upstanding pivot arm and an intermediate portion of the backboard frame. The backboard frame may be selectively positioned about the pivot arm between a retracted position, proximal to the foot plate, and an extended position, distal from the foot plate: The apparatus may be configured with a retractable lock pin attached to a lower end of the backboard frame that is operable to extend from an end thereof and a lock hole defined in an end portion of the foot plate proximal to the backboard frame. The lock pin may be selectively engaged with the lock hole to retain the backboard in a fixed position relative to the foot plate.

The exercise apparatus may also be configured with a par of grip handles extending laterally outwardly from a lower portion of the backboard frame. A padded backboard attached to the backboard frame, may have a lumbar support wedge disposed at the lower portion of the padded backboard. In some embodiments, a foot bar is laterally disposed across the foot plate and elevated with respect to an upper surface of the foot plate. In other embodiments, the exercise apparatus may also include: a backboard bungee attachment disposed on a lower side of the backboard frame; a frame bungee attachment disposed on the upstanding frame pivot arm; and an elastic cord operatively connected between the backboard bungee attachment and the frame bungee attachment.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of conditioning exercise, which includes providing an exercise apparatus, with an elongate frame member; an upstanding frame pivot arm attached to a first end portion of the elongate frame member; a backboard frame pivotally attached to the elongate frame member via a pivot arm the upstanding frame pivot arm; and a foot plate, attached to a second end portion of the elongate frame member via a foot plate support; operating the apparatus to pivot the backboard between a lowered position and an elevated position. In other aspects, the method may include positioning the backboard about the pivot arm to a retracted position proximal to the foot plate. The method may also entail positioning the backboard about the pivot arm to an extended position distal from the foot plate. The method may also include locking the backboard in a fixed position.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exercise apparatus in a lowered position.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the exercise apparatus in an elevated position.

FIG. 3 is a bottom partial perspective view of the exercise apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a section detail view of the exercise apparatus along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a section detail view of a pivot link.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the exercise apparatus shown in a retracted configuration.

FIG. 7 is a detail top view of the exercise apparatus shown in a retracted configuration.

FIG. 8 is a section detail view of the exercise apparatus taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the exercise apparatus shown in use in an exemplary initial lowered state.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the exercise apparatus shown in use in an exemplary elevated state.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the exercise apparatus shown in use in a retracted configuration and in use in an exemplary initial exercise position.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the invention shown in use in an alternate use in a retracted configuration and in use in an exercise position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise apparatus that allows a user to condition their lower back, abdomen and upper leg muscles. The apparatus may be reconfigurable to provide a platform for performing different types of conditioning exercises.

As seen in reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of an exercise apparatus 10 of the present invention has a backboard 12 mounted to a backboard frame 14. The backboard frame 14 is pivotally attached to an upstanding frame pivot arm 24. The frame pivot arms 24 are attached at a first end portion of an elongate main frame member 22. A foot platform 32 is operatively attached to a second end portion of the main frame member 22 at by one or more foot plate supports 34. The apparatus 10 may be supported by a plurality of feet 36 attached to the main frame 22 in a spaced apart relation. The feet 36 may be adjustable to provide for leveling the apparatus 10.

The backboard 12 may be formed as a substantially rectangular plate of material, such as wood, plywood, composites, plastic, or the like. A layer of foam padding may cover an upper surface of the plate and may then be covered by a fabric material. Preferably, the fabric material a vinyl or other water resistant cleanable fabric that may be sanitized or cleaned with surface wiping with a disinfectant and cleaning cloth. A lumbar wedge 46, that may also be formed of a foam or padding material is provided at a lower end portion of the backboard 12, and is also covered by a fabric material. A belt 38 with a buckle 40 may be provided to extend about a user's waist or torso to secure their lower torso to the backboard 12 with their lumbar region supported by the wedge 46. The backboard 12 may secured to the backboard frame 14 via a plurality of fasteners, such as screws, bolts, clips, and the like.

A pair of grip handles 16 are attached to the backboard frame 14 and extend from opposed sides of the lower portion of the frame 14 proximal to the lumbar support wedge 46. The grip handles 16 extend laterally outwardly from the frame to provide the user a hand gripping structure when utilizing the apparatus 10. The backboard frame 14 and grip handles 16 may be formed from a plurality of structural members formed of a rigid material, such as steel, aluminum, composites and the like.

As best seen in reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the backboard frame 14 is pivotally attached to the upright support 24 at a backboard pivot point 20, which may be a sleeve attached to the frame 14 or a backboard pivot aperture extending through a longitudinal backboard frame member. A pivot link 72, depicted in FIG. 5, has a first end aperture through which a backboard pivot pin 74 is received. The backboard pivot pin 74 is also received through the backboard pivot pin 20.

The pivot link 72 has a second end aperture that is offset from the first end aperture. The second end aperture is adapted to receive a main frame pivot pin 76 which extends through a cooperating pivot aperture defined at an upper end of the upstanding frame pivot arm 24. The pivot link 72 permits pivotal movement of the backboard frame 14 about the main frame pivot pin 76 during exercise. The pivot link 72 also permits pivotal displacement of the backboard frame 14 between an extended position seen in reference to FIG. 1, and a retracted position, seen in reference to FIGS. 6-8.

As seen in reference to FIGS. 3 and 6, a back surface of the backboard frame 14 may also include a backboard bungee attachment 18, which may be a transverse bar, or, alternatively, one or more attachment loops or hooks. A frame resistance attachment 28 may be attached proximal to the upright supports 24. A bungee cord, or elastic cord 58 may be attached between the backboard resistance attachment 18 and the frame resistance attachment 28 to provide additional resistance to the user during an exercise routine. The backboard resistance attachment 28 may be adjustable along the length of the backboard frame 14 to provide variability in the resistance. The longitudinal frame member 22 may be provided with one or more posts 70 to receive and stow the elastic cords 58 when not utilized to provide added resistance.

As previously indicated, the foot plate 32 is disposed at a proximal end portion frame 22 and is positioned in an elevated relation to the floor and generally at the same elevation as the backboard 14 via the support 34. The support 34, is preferably configured to position the foot plate 32 at an angle facing towards the backboard 14, such that a user may comfortably place the bottoms of their feet on the foot plate. A foot bar 60 may extend laterally across the foot plate 32 and is adapted to receive a toe portion of the user's feet beneath the foot bar 60, so as to provide a holding force to the user's toes and leverage during exercise. The foot plate 32 may also include an end plate 64 attached to the foot plate 32 proximal to the backboard 14. The endplate extends laterally across the foot plate 32 to support the heels of a user's feet.

As best seen in reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the lower end of the backboard frame 14 may include a backboard locking pin 68 that retractably extends from the end of the frame 14. The backboard locking pin 68 is adapted to be received within a lock hole 66 defined in an end of the foot plate 32, preferably in a face of the end plate 64. When the backboard frame 14 is articulated in close proximity to the foot plate 32, the lock pin 68 may be extended to engage within the lock hole 66 in order to secure the backboard frame 14 and prevent pivotal movement of the frame 14. When the lock pin 68 is retracted from the lock hole 66, the backboard frame may be moved about the pivot link 72.

As seen in reference to FIGS. 9-12, a user may configure the apparatus 10 to perform a variety of conditioning exercises for the abdominals, lumbar, and legs. When configured with the backboard 12 in an extended position, the user may mount the apparatus 10 by laying upon the backboard 12 with their waist positioned at the lower end of the backboard 12 with the lumbar wedge 46 positioned against their lumbar region. The user may secure themselves to the backboard via the belt 38. The user places their feet 50 upon the foot plate 32 with their toes disposed beneath the foot bar 60. The user may then flex the desired muscle groups to pivot the backboard 12 between a lowered position, seen in FIG. 9 and an elevated position seen in reference to FIG. 10.

For example, the user may push downward with their feet and legs and lift their butt as high as they can in the air squeezing (pooching) your gluteal muscles together at the top of the movement and hold for a second and then let the backboard 12 back down to the base of the machine. The user may repeat the movement, for example performing three sets of 10 to 20 reps. As previously indicated, if the user 48 desires additional resistance during their conditioning regimen, they may attach one or more elastic cords 58 between the backboard frame 14 and the upright support 24, via the respective bungee attachments 18, 28.

As seen in reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the user 50 may also configure the apparatus 10 to perform exercises more focused on the abdominal muscle groups. The user may articulate the backboard frame 14 towards the foot plate 32 and secure the lock pin 68 in the lock hole 66. The user may then utilize the apparatus 10 to perform an abdominal conditioning regimen, including crunches, sit-ups, and the like.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: an elongate frame member; an upstanding frame pivot arm attached to a first end portion of the elongate frame member; a backboard frame pivotally attached to the elongate frame member via the upstanding frame pivot arm; and a foot plate, attached to a second end portion of the elongate frame member via a foot plate support, wherein the backboard frame is adapted to be selectively positioned between a lowered position and an elevated position.
 2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a pivot link pivotally connected between the upstanding pivot arm and an intermediate portion of the backboard frame.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein the backboard frame is selectively positioned about the pivot link between a retracted position, proximal to the foot plate, and an extended position, distal from the foot plate.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a retractable lock pin attached to a lower end of the backboard frame operable to extend from an end thereof; and a lock hole defined in an end portion of the foot plate proximal to the backboard frame; wherein the lock pin is selectively engaged with the lock hole to retain the backboard in a fixed position relative to the foot plate.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a par of grip handles extending laterally outwardly from a lower portion of the backboard frame.
 6. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a padded backboard attached to the backboard frame, having a lumbar support wedge disposed at the lower portion of the padded backboard.
 7. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a foot bar laterally disposed across the foot plate and elevated with respect to an upper surface of the foot plate.
 8. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a backboard bungee attachment disposed on a lower side of the backboard frame; a frame bungee attachment disposed on the upstanding frame pivot arm; and an elastic cord operatively connected between the backboard bungee attachment and the frame bungee attachment.
 9. A method of conditioning exercise, comprising: providing an exercise apparatus, comprising: an elongate frame member; an upstanding frame pivot arm attached to a first end portion of the elongate frame member; a backboard frame pivotally attached to the upstanding frame pivot arm member via a pivot link; and a foot plate, attached to a second end portion of the elongate frame member via a foot plate support, operating the apparatus to pivot the backboard between a lowered position and an elevated position.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: positioning the backboard about the pivot link to a retracted position, proximal to the foot plate.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: positioning the backboard about the pivot link to an extended position distal from the foot plate.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: locking the backboard in a fixed position.
 13. An exercise apparatus, comprising: an elongate frame member; an upstanding frame pivot arm attached to a first end portion of the elongate frame member; a pivot link pivotally connected between the upstanding pivot arm and an intermediate portion of a backboard frame; a foot plate, attached to a second end portion of the elongate frame member via a foot plate support, wherein the backboard frame is selectively articulated about the pivot link between a retracted fixed exercise position, and an extended pivoting exercise position.
 14. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a retractable lock pin attached to a lower end of the backboard frame operable to extend from an end thereof; and a lock hole defined in an end portion of the foot plate proximal to the backboard frame; wherein the lock pin is selectively engaged with the lock hole to retain the backboard in a fixed position relative to the foot plate.
 15. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a par of grip handles extending laterally outwardly from a lower portion of the backboard frame.
 16. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a padded backboard attached to the backboard frame, having a lumbar support wedge disposed at the lower portion of the padded backboard.
 17. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a foot bar laterally disposed across the foot plate and elevated with respect to an upper surface of the foot plate.
 18. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a backboard bungee attachment disposed on a lower side of the backboard frame; a frame bungee attachment disposed on the upstanding frame pivot arm; and an elastic cord operatively connected between the backboard bungee attachment and the frame bungee attachment. 